The Bonner Program: Proven Impact Findings from the 2019 Bonner Student Impact Survey
Developing Identity
Student Development Around Identity and Difference The first Bonner Student Impact Survey (2000-2010) pointed to “dialogue across difference" as a key component of the program’s positive impact (Keen & Hall, 2010). Diversity itself, of the program and campus, was found to be positive factor for students’ learning. With this in mind, the Student Impact Survey sought to understand students' perceptions around aspects of their identity – such as around race, ethnicity, religion, etc. The table below captures aspects of what students said. They point to ways that the Bonner Program is providing diverse students with a welcoming climate, one in which they can explore their identities. Starting as early as the first year, students' perceptions of the campus climate has a strong effect on their own sense of belonging and community connectedness.
Analysis of student responses to these and other items within this sub-scale found that the higher the student rated the campus climate, the stronger were their own ratings on the specific items. This finding echoes other studies in the field. For instance, in a paper entitled Full Participation, Saltmarsh, Sturm, Eatman, and Bush (2011) suggest that diversity is needed across the student body, faculty, and staff for students’ civic learning to flourish. Campus climate is important for students’ development, with recent research pointing to connections between how students perceive the institution’s values and their willingness to be civically engaged, which in turn affects their own mental health and resilience (Mitchell, Reason, Hemer, & Finley, 2016).
Affiliation and Integration with Other Identity Groups Not at All
Slightly
A Little
Moderately
Mostly
Exactly
I feel I am allowed to explore different aspects of my identity and culture in the Bonner Program.
3%
2%
5%
36%
36%
36%
I often feel like I should play down an important part of my culture or identity within Bonner.
46%
15%
8%
13%
10%
9%
My culture and/or identities are welcomed within the Bonner Program.
2%
1%
4%
7%
32%
53%
My culture and/or identities are welcomed within the broader campus community.
1%
2%
5%
15%
41%
46%
14
